Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
When the word Vietnam comes into a person’s ear. The first thing they think about is the Vietnam War, the poor and corruption. But what they fail to see and know is what a truly beautiful country it is with its culture, people and places. Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam is where you can see this. At its most dizzying, high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the whole country forward with its pulsating energy. Ho Chi Minh has a lot to offer, great shops, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food.
This first place to visit is the place that that made it famous, the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi Tunnels extensive network of nearly 500 km of tunnels utilized by the Viet Cong in the 1960s to fight American soldiers. Its best to get an English speaking guide to tour with. A tour guide would cost you around 120,000VND. This is a must go place for everyone as to shows you the history and how the Vietnam people suffered during the war.
The next place to visit is the Vietnam War Remnants Museum. It’s a great place to visit to learn history. The museum would cost you 15,000 VND for a ticket to enter. Getting a guide would cost you more but it’s recommended to not get one as many of the guides are not fluent in English. The museum is huge and has over 20000 documents, pictures and items of the war.
After visiting this place, it is best to get a room to sleep for the night before going to the next location as you would get pretty tired. Hotel here starts at 130,000 VND and goes as high as 400,000 VND. Food here is tasty and the best food are in the streets of the city. Eat the local food and you can get a meal for around 22,000 VND. Sit down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 75,000 VND. It is advise to try the famous Banh Mi which is a Vietnamese sandwich. Bars and alcohol beverages here are cheap and happy hours here can get you a cocktails for as low as only 1USD.Transportation on the other hand is advise to get a motorbike and travel around by yourself using a map or with local guides. Taxis are expensive and taxi drivers often try to rip you off.
After a good night's rest, you’ll be ready for your escape to Can Gio Island.
The Can Gio Island is popular with tourists and Ho Chi Minh locals as a way to escape the chaos of the city. The beaches here aren’t mind blowing like they are in Thailand but it’s a great place to relax and one of Vietnam’s better islands. The island’s monkey sanctuary and mangroves are great for wildlife fans. To get to the Island, you will need a speed boat from the mainland.
Once there you can get a room from the few hut style campsites that are there which is not too pricey, costing around 200,000 VND. The Island has amazing views and great untouched beaches and wildlife. It is a great place for nature lovers. Overall Vietnam is a great place to visit on a budget but not lacking the experience.
